It takes an honorable, but stupid, thief to return to the scene of his crime just so he can apologize to his victim.
But Peter Shelley did just that in Salt Lake City, police said.
Shelley is accused of punching a convenience store clerk and stealing a pack of cigarettes.
A week later, on Saturday, Shelley reportedly returned to the store and twice apologized to the clerk.
We don’t think he returned the cigarettes.
So the clerk, obviously touched by the apologies, called the police, who picked Shelley up near the store.
He faces felony strong-armed robbery charges.
If convicted, Shelley is expected to lead prison classes in courtesy and regret.

Posted at June 15, 2004 10:08 AM